St. Frumentius, also known as Abbo, was born in the 4th century in Tyre, present-day Lebanon. He was a Christian merchant who traveled to the Red Sea with his brother, Aedesius. While there, they were captured by a band of hostile tribesmen and taken to Ethiopia, where they were presented to the royal court.
Frumentius quickly earned the favor of the King of Ethiopia, who recognized his intelligence and noble character. As he gained the king’s trust, Frumentius took the opportunity to share the teachings of Christianity with the royal family and the people of Ethiopia. After the king’s death, Frumentius continued to promote the Christian faith, laying the groundwork for a burgeoning Christian community.
Recognizing the need for a bishop to guide the newly converted Christians, Frumentius traveled to Alexandria and requested that St. Athanasius appoint him as bishop of Ethiopia. He was ordained and returned to Ethiopia, where he established churches and schools, fostering the growth of Christianity throughout the region. St. Frumentius’ dedication and missionary work were instrumental in establishing Christianity in Ethiopia, and he is celebrated as the patron saint of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Practical Lessons:
Lesson 1: Seize Opportunities to Share Faith: St. Frumentius used his position in the royal court to share his faith with others. In our daily lives, we can look for opportunities to share our beliefs in natural ways, whether it’s discussing our faith with friends or sharing uplifting messages on social media. Look for moments when your faith can be a source of inspiration or guidance to those around you.
Lesson 2: Embrace Challenges as Opportunities for Growth: Frumentius faced captivity and uncertainty but turned those challenges into opportunities for evangelization. When we encounter difficulties, instead of feeling defeated, we can choose to see them as chances to grow stronger in our faith and character. For example, when facing a difficult situation at work or home, take time to reflect on how you can respond positively and be a source of light for others.
Quote from St. Frumentius:
“Let us not cease to pray for our brothers and sisters, that they may find the light of Christ in their hearts.”
